Safety knock-off device for ski binder



June 5, 1962 H. 'DE PLACE 3,037,785

SAFETY KNOCK-FF DEVICE FOR SKI BINDER Filed March 20, 1959 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 June 5, 1962 H. DE PLACE 3,037,785

SAFETY KNOCK-OFF DEVICE FOR BINDER Filed March 20. 1959 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 June 5, 1962 H. DE PLACE 3,037,785

SAFETY KNocx-OFF DEVICE FOR sx1 BINDER Filed March 20, 1959 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Fig. 9.

June 5, 1962 H. DE PLACE 3,037,785

SAFETY KNocx-oFF DEVICE FOR SKI BINDER Filed March 20, 1959 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Fig. 18.

3,037,785 Patented June 5, 1962 3,037,785 SAFETY KNOCK-OFF DEVICE FOR SKI BINDER Henry de Place, 25 Rue du Montparnasse, Paris, France Filed Mar. 2.0, 1959, Ser. No. 800,794 Claims priority, application France Mar. 24, 1958 12 Claims. (Cl. 280-11.35)

Ski binders are known wherein a suitable device such as a cable tensioned around the heel of the ski boot presses the front edge of the sole against a safety stop. This stop consists mostly of -a knock-olf device adapted to swivel about a pivot pin rigid with the ski but normally held against rotation by a preferably adjustable release member, generally a detent positioning device.

Thus, in case of dangerous torsional stress the transverse thrust exerted by the front portion of the sole will overcome the elastic resistance of the resilient detent member and the resulting rotational movement of the device will release the boot.

In certain known safety devices of this character the front edge of the sole bears directly against the member adapted to pivot on the ski. In order to prevent the boot from being pushed backwards when the release takes place (this movement being counteracted by the cable tension) the surface with which the boot engages the stop must be relatively narrow. To prevent the sole from slipping on the stop the latter must therefore be formed with teeth or similar corrugations :adapted to sink somewhat in the sole material. Now this solution is detrimental in that it deteriorates the sole. Moreover, it is rather diicult to properly centre the boot on the stop.

A fitting constituting a permanent metal lining of the front portion of the sole is provided in many cases, the intermediate portion of the tting being adapted to mesh with the stop and at the same time to pivot thereon. A known inconvenience of this fitting is that it is difficult to properly secure same on the sole; besides, it is liable to be damaged when the boots are used for walking or rock-climbing.

In other known devices a jaw is substituted for the fitting mentioned in the preceding paragraph; this jaw is hingedly mounted on the member pivoting on the ski but constitutes a permanent element of the device. In this case, the hinge connection consists generally of a secondary swivel pin. However, the jaw itself must also comprise teeth or the like for clamping the boot. Consequently, this solution is attended by the same drawbacks as in the :first case.

As a matter of fact, as the jaw rotates freely about the secondary pivot pin without being controlled -by any locking or detent-positioning means, it is obviously impossible to properly hold the boot against movement with the assistance of smooth or plain surfaces, even if these sur-faces are concave and enveloping. lIn spite of the considerable friction involved there is a risk for the sole to slip in the jaw and cause the latter to rotate about the secondary pivot pin. Moreover, it would be practically impossible to properly fit the boot in position as the jaw can take any position. Consequently, a jaw of this character, which is adapted to pivot freely about an axis, should engage the substantially transverse front edge of the sole so as to be held in the proper position by the thrust exerted by the boot, teeth or like indentations being provided on the jaw in order to hold the sole against movement. Even if we disregard the known inconveniences of these teeth, it is known that it is diicult for a skier to put on his or her skis on a slope. As a matter of fact, the weight of the pivotally mounted jaw tends to pivot same away from the proper position.

Now it is the object of the present invention to avoid these various inconveniences of known ski binder knockoif devices by providing an improved safety knock-off or stop for ski binder which-is characterized in that it comprises a support displaceable on the ski, means for holding this support against movement under normal conditions of use and releasing same in case of abnormal transverse stress, a member pivoted on said support and adopted to hold the yfront portion ofthe boot sole against movement, and means for holding said member against movement when said support is in its normal position, and for releasing said member when said support moves on the ski.

The member pivotally mounted on said support may consist of a relatively wide, internally smooth shell having a pronounced concavity and two arms inclined to each other and adapted to be engaged by the front edge of the sole, whereby the inclination of said two arms will hold this sole portion against lateral movements.

Thus, the inconveniences characterizing toothed jaws are avoided. Moreover, due to the inclination of the lateral portions of said shell the front portion of the boot will be centered automatically on the ski and the skis can be fitted with greater facility. In addition, the substantial width of the shell improves the holding of the boot on the ski and affords a safer control of the skis, notably in their lateral engagement with the snow by means of their reinforced edges.

In order to afford a clearer understanding of this invention and of the manner in which lche same may be carried out in practice, reference will now be made to the attached drawings forming part of this specification and illustrating diagrammatically by way of example different forms of embodiment of the invention. In the drawings:

FIGURES 1 and 2 illustrate in plan view from above `and in side view a iirst form of embodiment of the device constituting the subject-matter ofthis invention.

FIGURE 3 shows a longitudinal section taken upon the line lIII-III of FIG. 1.

FIGURE 4 is a plan view from above of one component of the device.

FIGURE 5 is a plan view from above showing the device in its released condition. v

FIGURES 6 and 7 illustrate diagrammatically the position of the sole in the shell before and after its release.

FIGURE 8 shows a modified lform of embodiment of the pivotal mounting of the support;

FIGURES 9 and 10, 11 and 12, 13 and 14 illustrate diagrammatically three different forms of embodiment of the shell-locking mechanism, in its normal position and in its released position, respectively. y

FIGURE 15 is a fragmentary view showing ya modified embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 13.

fFIGURE 16 isa fragmentary View illustrating a modilied embodiment of an auxiliary plate.

FIGURE 17 is a plan view illustrating another form of embodiment of the device.

Referring yirst -to the form of embodiment illustrated inYFIGS. l to 5, a supporting plate 1 is secured on the ski 2 by means of screws 3. One or more shims 4 may be interposed between the ski 2 and the plate 1 to vary the height of the device as required.

The plate 1 is of substantially spear-head configuration, with a pair of rear heels 5, 6 and a circular hole 7 formed in its front end '(FIG. 4).

A pivot pin 8 rigid with the plate 1 has a pivoting supporting plate 9 mounted thereon. This plate 9 is formed screw 1'2 in the desired position of adjustment.

hole 7 of smaller diameter formed in the plate 1 so as *tol normally prevent the support 9 from rotating.

Pivoted on the pin 11 of support 9 is a substantially V-shaped shell member 2.0V formed Vwitha concave rear face and consisting ofY two smooth-surfaced divaricated incliuedarms 5.1, .52 connected by a curved intermediate portion; `this rear face is'adapted toiit against the front edge of the ski-boot sole. Y This front edge is prevented from rising by an upper projecting edge Z1 formed on the shell member 20. Y

The lower portion of the shell member is formed with a pair of lugs '15, l'having secured therein projecting studs 17, 18 adapted Vin Vthe normal position of the shell 20 -to engage the heels 5, 6 of plate 1 (FIG. 4), so that the shell cannot rotate `about the pivot pin 1v1 and remains locked in this position. Y

In caserof abnormal or dangerous torsion the transverse stress from the sole is transmitted through the shell 20 to the pin 11 and Vsupport 9. The latter will' then overcome the resistance of the springeloaded detent posi- A lock-nut 39 is provided for locking the hollowV the 'transverse thrust is thus compensated for by fthe slight inclination of this heel at the point of contact and the release is facilitated. To reduce this frictional engagement, rolling members may also be provided, if desired. A relatively thin washer .19 surrounding the pivot pin 8 prevents the tightening of :the pivoting support 9 on the plate 1.

' In the formof embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, the support 9 is rotatable only aboutffthe pivot pin 8 and the Vlongitudinal thrust exerted through the boot is absorbed completely by this pivot pin, notably if a slight clearance is provided between'fthe heels 5, 6 and studs Y 17, 18 respectively.

During the initial fraction of this movement the concave shape of the rear edge 22 of plate 1 enables the stud y 17 to move slightly forward and under these Vconditions'the shell 2.0 may follow the movement of the sole without pushingit backward, Yon the contrary, the sole` may even move slightly forward. As on the other hand sistance in the shell 29. y The front-portion ofmsole '42 occupies; successively the positions shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 relative to the shell '20...

In these gures, theY stop is illustratedY diagrammatically Knoclcoi devices have already been proposed which, after a moderate initial rotational movement, are adapted to move forward in order'to Vfacilitate the release of the boot.

An arrangement of this character may be obtained very easily in a device according to the present invention. Thus, in the form of embodiment described hereinabove it is possible, as Villustrated notably in FIG. 8, to thread on the pivot pin '8 a square-'sectioned partZS on which the pivotingsupport 9 is adapted to slide due to the provision of a substantially rectangular slot 29 therein.

Under normal conditions the support 9* is retained in the position shown in FIG. 8 by the studs 17 and 18 of shell 20 engaging the heels 5 and 6 respectively of plate 1, so as to receive the thrust transmitted through the skiboot without necessitating the provision of stops acting directly on the pivoting support 9 as in known devices.

During the release ymovement immediately as one of the studs 17 or 18, due to the rotation of this support 9, clears the corresponding heel 5 or 6i, the support 9 slides yforward in the direction of the arrow.

A similar result may be obtained by pivoting the shell 20 on the pivot pin 11 with the assistance 0f a mounting of the type illustratedin FIG, 8. The shell 20 has a rectangular slot 73 therein which enables it to slide on the square-sectionedA part 74 surrounding the pin 1v1 (BIG. 2l). In'this case the shell 20 alone will move forward relative toits support 9 after a 'slight rotational movement of theV latter.

YA forward displacement of the shell 20 may also be obtained byV securing the pivot pin 1=1 on,V a member adapted to slide in the longitudinal direction in the pivot-g ing support 9.

in the form of thick lines connecting the pivot pinsandY Y edge of the sole of these boots engaging more or less this concavity :but leaving in all cases, even with small boot sizes, a free central gap inonder to facilitate .the slipping ofthe sole after its release.

Due tothe substantially rectilinear configuration of the armsSl and 52 ofv this shell, the inclinationof these arms at the points of engagement thereof with Ythe soleis-Yconstantly the same, irrespective of the boot width.

` j The inclination of these `arms 51, 52 .re1ative to the sliY airis is keptt'o a value low enough toV prevent any transverse movement of the front edge of the sole and ensure inclination of one arm relative to theother.v Y Y 1 Onr the other hand, the inner surface of theshell isf i suitable design or type.

preferably slightly tapered, Aas shown in FIGS. 2 and'3, Y

in order `better to t'against'theedge of the soles.

According to an advantageous form of embodimentV ofi the knock-off device of this invention,^thexstuds 17 and: 18 are slightly oiset outwards relative tothe heels 5 andY 6Y of plate 11. The friction developed by the pressure of the stud on the ,heelV corresponding to the direction of In the form of embodiment shown in FIGS. l to 5 of the drawings, theV stop heels 5, 6 by which the Shell 20 isV retained are stationary, rigid with the plate 1 and positioned in front of the relevant studs 17, 18 as'illustrated diagrammatically in FIGS. 9 and 10.

In these figures (as well as in FIGS. 1,1 to 16) only the plate `1 and the stop members are shown. The pivot ing support 9 is designated by la thickline between the pivot pins 8 and 11, the shell consisting of the triangle.

formed by the pivot pin 11 and studs 17, 1S.

However, .the locking mechanism may be of any other In FIGS. l1 aud'lZ the'positions of the device before Yand after itsrelease are illustrated inthe case of a modified arrangement wherein the studs are ylocked in their Vnormal position by a stop member 53 disposed behind the studsV 17, 18. v l a 'Ilhe rotation of pivot pin 11 about the pivot pin 8 Y moves the Ystuds away from part 53 and permits the skew position of the shell, as shown'n FIG. l2'.

The stop member 53 may consist of a separate element either securedrdirectly on the ski, as shown in fthe figure, e

or formingA an integral part of the plate `1. Y

VIn themoditedfform of 'embodimentv illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14 showing the'normal and released positions, respectively, thestudsl7, 18` are normally locked.

byi aplate 54 underlying the boot sole and pivoted on a pin 55 secured on the skipreferably in the vicinity of Vthe centre ofrotation of'fthe sole. VThe studs 17, 18 are received in notches 56, S7 so that the plate 54 and the studs drive each other mutually during their movements.

The movement of the shell tto its skew position is permitted as in the preceding form of embodiment by the displacement of the pivot pin 11 which moves away from the plate 54 by rotating about the pin 8 as shown in FIG. 14. Preferably, the rotation of plate 54 is limited, for example, by the provision of a pin 58 secured in the ski and engaging a curved slot 59 formed in the plate 54. The rear edge of the plate 1 is so shaped as to constantly retain one stud with a View to facilitate the resetting of the device.

This mechanism is advantageous in that it avoids the sliding engagement and therefore the friction between the studs and the relevant stop face-s. Moreover, the adherence of the sole, instead of retarding the movements, promotes same by carrying along the plate 54 and therefore the studs 17, 18.

The mutual driving engagement between the plate 54 and shell 20 may be obtained in any other suitable manner. In the example shown in FIG. 15, the plate 54 also pivoted on a pin 55 (not shown) engages the studs 17, 13 /but at the same time is carried along by the lower end of pin 11 engaging a central notch 60 `formed in the front edge of plate 54.

A plate similar to plate 54, carried along by the displacement of shell 20 or of the pivoting support 9 may be provided without causing same to act as a stop for the studs 17 and 18.

FIGURE 16 illustrates a modified form of embodiment wherein a plate 61 also pivoted on a pin 55 (not visible in the `figure) comprises notches 56, S7 engaged by studs 17, 18. However, in the normal position the studs do not engage the bottom of the notches in plate 61 Ibut the heels 5, 6 of plate 1, `as in the case of FIG. 9, whereby the only function of plate 61 is to `facilitate the movements of the 'boot and of the safety knock-off device,

In another -form of embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17 the pivot pin of the shell support is disposed at the rear instead of at the front of this support.

The shell pivot pin 11 is carried by a plate 62, (similar to .plate 54 of FIG. 13) pivoted on a pin 55 solid with the ski, preferably near the centre of rotation of the boot. This plate 62 is `formed with a front extension 63 of relatively reduced width engaging a case consisting of a pair of superposed plates 64, 65 secured on the ski Aby means of screws 66.

This extension 63 is movable transversely in a cavity 67 formed in plate 64, and is covered and retained therein by the plate 65.

This plate 65 carries a fixed detent positioning device adjustable by means of the screw 12, the spring-loaded ball of this device engaging partially a hole (not visible in the figure) formed in the extension l63, so as to retain the plate 62 in the normal -position of the device.

The plate 65 is formed on its rear edge with t-wo heels 5, 6 normally engaged by the studs of shell 31. The shell 31 illustrated in this figure consists of a sheet-metal pressing of concave conguration, lformed with a pair of central lugs whereby the shell 31 is pivoted on the pivot pin 11.

A plate 34 secured on the shell 31 by means of relatively long screws 35 of which the lower portions constitute the stop studs projects slightly from the rear portion of the shell to prevent the sole `from raising.

In case of dangerous torsion the plate 62. acting in this case as a pivoting support responsive both to the shell 31 and to the sole through its adherence therewith, will overcome the resistance of the detent positioning device and rotate about the pin 55. The aforesaid cavity 67 permits `a movement of the `front extension 63 which has an amplitude suiiicient to cause one of the studs 35 to escape from the relevant heel 5 or 6. Then the shell 31 can pivot to release the sole whereby the latter will slide in the shell 31.

To facilitate this sliding movement the rotation of plate 6 62 may be combined, if desired, with a longitudinal forward movement.

Thus, the plate -62 may be pivoted on the yby means of a device similar to that of FIG. 8 whereby it may both pivot and slide on the pivot pin `55. In the normal position the longitudinal thrust exerted Iby the lboot is thus absorbed by the heels 5, 6 engaged by the studs 35 of shell 31.

At'ter the plate 62 has slightly pivoted about the pivot pin `55, so that at least one of the studs has cleared the relevant heel, the shell 3-1 and plate 62 can move forward and release the boot. Of course, under these conditions the case is so arranged as to enable the front extension 63 of plate 62 to move forward in the cavity 67, the latter having a sufficient length to this end.

Of course, a similar result `would be obtained iby pivoting the shell 31 on the pivot pin by means of a device of the type illustrated in FIG. 8. During the release movement the shell 31 would move forward on the plate 62 as the latter would simply pivot `about the pivot pin 55.

FIGURES 18 and 19 show in diagrammatic form a third ltormuof embodiment of this invention, wherein the support carrying the pivot pin 11, instead of pivoting as in the preceding cases about pivot pins 8 or 55, is displaceable in a transverse direction yon the ski.

The pin 11 is carried by a plate 68 adapted to move transversely in =a recess 69` -formed in a plate 70. The latter is covered by another plate 71 formed with a slot 72 permitting the passage of pin 11. The latter is of relatively large diameter, is hollow and encloses a springloaded detent-positioning device 12 of which the ball engages the smaller hole formed in a base plate (not visible in the figures) underlying the plates 70 and 71 and secured like these plates on the ski by means of screws 66. 'Ihe plate 71 is formed at its rear end with heels 5, 6 normally engaged by studs 17, 18 carried by the shell shown diagrammatically in the .form of a'triangle 11, 17

When the transverse stress exceeds the resistance of the detent positioning device the plate 68 moves in the cavity 69. As shown in FIG. 19, the stud 17 for eX- ample clears the heel 5 and the shell may take a skew position to release the lboot.

In this speciiic form of embodiment a forward movement of the shell alone or of the shell with its support may also be contemplated. In the iirst case it is suflicient to provide a pivotal connection between the shell and the device as shown in FIG. 8 about the pivot -pin 11. A forward movement of the -shell support, that is,

of plate 68, may be obtained by merely providing a suicient clearance between the front edge of plate 68 and the corresponding edge of cavity 69,V as well as an equivalent clearance between the front edge of slot 72 and pivot pin 11.

In the devices described hereinabove, the member on which the front portion of the sole is caused to bear consists of a concave shell without any teeth or like corrugations. This device can be rendered-operative dueto the provision of the locking mechanism and is characterized lby many advantages. However, the known toothed jaws mayy also be provided with the locking device of this invention, if desired.

Thus, in the device illustrated in FIG. 20 a jaw49 pivoted on a pivot pin 11 of a swivelling support (not shown), comprises studs 17, 18 normally locked against movement by heels 5, 6 of a xed member. yThe teeth 43 are somewhat sunk in the sole material 42 and hold same against movement. With a jaw of this type it may be advantageous to provide a certain clearance between the studs 17, 18 on the one hand and the heels 5, 6 on the other hand, so as to permit a slight inclination of the jaw to t on the front edge of the sole if the latter is not symmetric. With a device of this character it is not possible, however, to ensure an -automatic centering of the sole and a better preservation of its front edge, as

Y and adapted to underlie the boot sole. 6. VA safety device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the.

in the case of the shells described hereinabove.. In any case, the locking mechanism according to this invention facilitates the iitting of the skis by maintaining the jaw substantially in the desired position.

In the Vdevices described hereinabove the detent positioning device by which the support is normally held against movement on the ski consists of a spring urged ball, but it will be readily understood by anybody skilled in the art that any other suitable device may be used in lieu thereof. Thus, a piston or bolt may 'be substituted for the ball. The mechanism may be disposed horizontally instead of vertically. The ball or piston may be fixed and the corresponding hole or notch formed in the pivoting support. According to another known detent device the pivoting support may also lbe formed with a suitably shaped cam contour of which the rotation is attended by the. compression of a relatively strong spring urging a ball or piston in thehollows of the cam face.

The different forms f embodiment described hereinabove by way of example with reference to the attached drawings illustrate exhaustively the essential features of this invention andthe manner in which the latter may lbe embodied; lfurthermore, it appears from these examples that many modifications and alterations may be brought to the safety knock-off device Vof this invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

\ What I claim is:

1. A safety knock-off device for the abutment of the `front edge of the sole of'a ski boot in a ski bindencomprising a support adapted to move on theski, resilient means mounted on and cooperative between the ski and the support for holding said support against movement Y' under normal conditionsrof use but releasing same in case of abnormal transverse stress, a single concavev member having inclined arms pivoted on said support ,and the inclined arms of which are adapted to surround and hold` the front edge lof the sole of the ski boot against movement, and rigid holding means mounted on and between is pivoted on the aforesaid support at a point disposed behind the pivot pin by which said support is pivoted relative to the ski. l

4. A safety device according to claim 2, wherein the member adapted to hold the boot against movement is pivoted-on said support at a point disposed ahead of the pivot pin by which said support'ispivoted relative to the ski. Y Y

5. A safety device as set forth in claim 4, wherein said support consists of a plate adapted to said support is slidableon the ski.

resilient pivot on Vthe, skiof the pivot axes between the concave member and the support respectively, each engaging an abutment member rigidly secured on the ski.

8.,A safety device as set forth in claim 7, wherein the stop members rigid with said single concave member pivoted on said support consist of two studs rigid with said pivoted member.

Y 9. A safety device as set forth in claim 7, wherein a base plate is secured on the ski and has said support pivotally mounted thereon, the abutment members rigidly secured on the ski consisting of a pair of heels formed disposed as to lie under the sole of the ski boot and securedY on the ski by its rear portion by means of a pivot pin enabling same to pivot on the ski, said plate comprising, at its front end, coupling means co-acting with said stop members rigid with said single concave member so that f the transverse displacement of said member causes the movement of said plate under the boot sole and causes said plate to pivot about its pivot pin.

, 11. A safety knock-olf device kas set forth in claim 10, wherein the stop members rigid with said concave member adapted to hold the sole against movement consist in a pair of pins engaged in notches formed in the front edge of said pivoting plate disposed underthe sole, so as to engage the bottom of said notches under normal conditions of use and cause said plate to pivot about its pivot pin when the sole-holding member is displaced transl2. A safety knock-off device for the abutment of the front edge of the sole of -a ski boot in a ski binder, comprising'a support adapted to move on the ski, resilient means mounted on and cooperative between the ski and the support for holding said support on the ski against movement under normal conditions of use but releasing same in caseof abnormal transverse stress, a single member pivoted on said support vand adapted to hold the front edge of the sole of the ski boot against movement, and

rigid holding means mounted on and cooperative `between the pivoted member and the ski for rigidly holding said pivoted member on the ski against movement relative to said support when the latter is in its normal position, and

'for releasing said pivoted member when said support 7. A safety device asset forthiin claim 1,'VwherenA Y the means Vfor holding the pivoted concave member against movement when the support is in its normalV position consists of twostop members solid with said'concave member, said stop members being disposed on v each side 'Y moves relative to the ski.

- References Cited in the iile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,236,874 Hvam Apr. 1, 1941 `.2,468,879 Hvam May 3, 1949 2,836,428Y Marker May 27, 1958 2,858,137 Marker .Oct. 28, 1958 2,867,446 Rehacek Jan. 6, 1959 2,899,211 Salomon Aug. 11, 1959 1 Y FOREIGN PATENTSY 860,695 France oct. 7, 1940 1,126,948 France Aug. 6, 1956 596,836 Great Britain Jan. 12, 1948 191,259 Switzerland Aug. 16, 1937 

